Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta a Juicy garlic butter chicken bites served over a creamy Parmesan pasta make for the ultimate comfort meal. This one-pan dish is packed with flavor, combining tender chicken, a rich sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner and indulgent enough for a special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s a one-pan meal, minimizing cleanup.

Packed with creamy, garlicky, and cheesy goodness.

Quick and easy, ready in just 35 minutes.

Versatile with options to customize to your taste.

Perfectly balanced for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

3 tablespoons butter, divided

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cups heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Directions

Cook the Pasta:

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Prepare the Chicken:

Season the chicken with paprika, salt, pepper, and chili flakes if desired.

Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.

Add 1 tablespoon of butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken in the garlic butter. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:

In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat.

Add the heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if using. Bring to a simmer.

Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to adjust the consistency.

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.

Assemble the Dish:

Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Substitute shrimp for chicken for a seafood twist.

Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.

Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

Mix in sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for added flavor.

Swap heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative for a lighter version.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce. Avoid microwaving to maintain the creamy texture.

Related Recipes:

• Black Pepper Chicken
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan White Sauce

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead. Store them separately in the fridge and combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.

What type of pasta works best?

Fettuccine, penne, or linguine are great options, but you can use any pasta you prefer.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

It’s not recommended to freeze this dish as the creamy sauce may separate when thawed.

How can I lighten this recipe?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and opt for grilled chicken instead of sautéing in butter.

What can I pair this with?

A side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad complements this dish perfectly.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a meal that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. It’s rich, flavorful, and versatile enough to suit any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting guests, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy the harmony of creamy, cheesy, and garlicky flavors in every bite.

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